Right to a hearing for water users

By Kelly Costa

During Monday night’s city council meeting, the council waived the first reading and approved an ordinance amending Chapter 38, Article 2, Section (I) (1) of the city of Staunton Revised Code of Ordinances. This ordinance pertains to delinquent water bill accounts and affords the water user the right to a hearing, if the water user exercises his right to a hearing within three days of the date of service noted on the water shut off notice. If the delinquent user fails to demand a hearing within the three days, then water service will be shut off and terminated.

Rick Johnson attended as a guest representing the Staunton VFW. He said Staunton VFW Post 1241 has been an integral part of our community since 1934. For the last 88 years they have served not only our country but our community as well. The VFW serves as a cooling and warming center for the city of Staunton in times of need and by proclamation has been designated the city’s official cooling and warming center. Unfortunately, due to problems caused by the pandemic shut down and a faltering economy the post now sees itself in need of support. There are two of the four air conditioning/furnaces now out of order with one not repairable and in need of complete replacement. The estimate to replace that unit is $11,000 with a total repair cost of $17,976 for both. The post is addressing every avenue available which includes the city of Staunton. Realizing funds are tight all over, the post is asking if in fact the city could find an extra few dollars here or there. Johnson stated that every cent toward this goal will be extremely rewarding and appreciated by all helping them to remain a consistent and viable asset to the community.

The council received a letter from Staunton Unit Schools thanking the city’s utilities committee for the consideration of a credit toward the school’s water/sewer bill.

In the treasurer’s report, City Treasurer Cindy Pirok stated that certificates of deposit that were recently cashed at Bank of Springfield are as follows:

General Fund - $100,000 plus $451.55 interest;

Bond/Interest Fund - $250,000 plus $1,128.89 interest;

Water Fund - $200,000 plus $903.10 interest;

Infrastructure Fund - $100,000 plus $451.55 interest.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that the city clerk’s office will be closed on Nov. 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. All public works employees, except for one water treatment plant employee, will be off those days as well. All agenda items for the Nov. 28 meeting are due by Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m.

In Finance and Claims, the council agreed to pay two invoices: one from C.J. Schlosser & Co., LLC for preparation of the city’s audit for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2022, for $9,200; and one from Sandberg Phoenix for professional services rendered for Teamster contract negotiations and Interstate TIF discussion for $3,136.21.

In Economic and TIF, the council agreed to pay an invoice from Bruckert, Behme & Long for professional services rendered regarding Interstate TIF discussions for $2,056.75.

A renewal quote was approved with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for the city’s municipal insurance for Dec. 1, 2022, through Dec. 1, 2023, in the amount of $106,931. The Staunton Public Library will be reimbursing the city $850 for their portion of the premium.

The council approved the 2023 worker’s compensation renewal with Illinois Public Risk Fund for $50,854. Policy period is from Jan. 1, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024.

In Personnel, the city council voted to allow Public Works Director Mike Kuethe to carry over 42 hours of accrued vacation time.

In Judiciary, the council approved three ordinances annexing the following territory to the city of Staunton:

• 20224 Staunton Road owned by Daniel Mathis, Beth Mathis, surviving joint tenants of Brandon Mathis, deceased;

• 20190 Staunton Road owned by James and Karen Hemp;

• 20266 Staunton Road owned by Frank and Sandy Makler.

The first reading was given for Ordinance #2185 authorizing the levy and collection of taxes for the corporate and municipal purposes of the city of Staunton for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2022 and ending April 30, 2023.

The first reading was given for a pre-annexation agreement with Jacob R. Berry regarding property located at 1705 South Union Street but not physically annexing the property to the city’s corporate boundaries at this time.

The collecter's report included the following:

Staunton Super 8 Motel - Hotel/Motel Tax $3,710.57;

Staunton Police Department - Donation $1,500; Ordinance Violations $300;

Madison Communications - Franchise Tax $2,992.31;

Southwestern Electric Cooperative - Utility Tax $829.67;

M.J.M. Electric Cooperative - Utility Tax (Aug/Sept) $563.47;

State of Illinois - MFT Tax $9,755.10; MFT Renewal Fund $7,400.99; Sales Tax $69,405.37; Video Gaming Tax $11,283.07; Telecommunications Tax $5,037.09; Cannabis Use Tax $661.52; State Use Tax $16,117.58; Income Tax $51,624.54;

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk - Fine Disbursement $591.35; Arrest Agency Fee $275; E-Citation Fee $12; Police Vehicle Fund $.50; DUI Fund $11.

The council approved a yard waste disposal agreement with Max B. Mullins Landscaping, Inc., to be executed by the mayor.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, City Treasurer Cindy Pirok, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, Police Chief Jeff Doerr, City Attorney Phil Lading, aldermen Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, David Dias, and Terry Tipler. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m.